Summer Camp Counselor
Summer Camp Counselor
The position of Counselor is vital to the camp experience; the Counselor will be present during many of camper’s most teachable moments and when campers are at their most vulnerable life changing moments. A Camp Counselor is selected to be a servant/host to those who attend camp, and are not to take away from the camp experience by placing their needs above those of the camper.
The most important characteristic of a Counselor at Inspiration Hills Camp is their sincere and deep love of kids and Christ. Your spiritual maturity and emotional stability WILL BE tested so it is important that your life consistently reflects to others: cheerfulness, genuine joy, a positive outlook, maturity beyond your years, sensitivity to others, and enthusiasm!
Additional requirements include:
- Attendance at volunteer training
- First Aid and CPR Certification (optional, provide documentation if certified)
- Must be 18 years old to work with kids under 14
- Must be 23 years old to work with kids over 14
- Current Lifeguard Certification on file in the camp office for all lifeguards
- Current BCI checks on file for all staff in the camp office
- A pastors recommendation (sent from pastor directly to camp)
Authority:
- Counselors are responsible to report to the Program Director and the Executive Director.
- The Camp Chaplain and the Program Director are the coordinators for the week of camp, all Camp Counselors work with them to achieve their goals.
- The Program Director and Camp Chaplain report to the Executive Director.
Responsibilities:
- Adhere to the dress code
- Participate in ALL training sessions.
- Know and understand the summer curriculum.
- Be with your campers at ALL TIMES during the week unless you are on an approved break. All breaks will be scheduled in advance by the Program Director.
- Participate in all camp activities during each week of camp.
- Be familiar with and act upon the general policies of the camp.
- Be responsible for the total care and well-being (safety, mental, social, and emotional health) of each camper assigned to you.
- Minister to the spiritual development of campers.
Before Camp:
Study curriculum (plans, lessons, activities) and develop unique ways to use it to connect with campers
Arrive at camp refreshed and ready to begin each week of camp early! 3 PM is the last minute arrival time for all staff, 2 PM is even better! You should be dressed and ready for kids and your responsibilities when you arrive for the 3 PM staff meeting
During Camp:
Smile! Maintain a positive attitude
Use cell phones ONLY for emergency situations when you are with campers
Carry out assigned duties
Participate in all meetings
Welcome campers as they arrive and help them settle in
Keep your campers with eyesight or earshot at all times
Supervise all cabin/family activities
Spend individual time with each camper, but ALWAYS within eyesight of other staff!
Delegate and supervise cabin cleaning
Enforce your cabins “Code of Conduct”
Arrive on time to all activities
Report all illnesses or accidents promptly no matter how small they may seem
NEVER dispense medications! All medication will be dispensed by the Camp Nurse
Assist your cabin group during special activities including crafts, waterfront, nature hikes, recreation, meal times, etc.
Do not allow campers access to the lake without a Certified Lifeguard on duty
Help campers to gain respect for the camp property and creation
Provide direct supervision of any CIT assigned to your group
After Camp Each Week:
FULLY participate in the final activities on Friday afternoon. Your week is not over until ALL campers have gone home and the staff meeting is concluded
Make sure that your cabin or lodge is fully cleaned (including bathrooms and trash removal) and ready for the next group of campers
Take all lost and found items to the office for sorting
Sign your camper’s birthday cards and take them to the office for filing.
Attend the end of the week staff meeting on Friday evening, NO EXCEPTIONS!